What does depression actually feel like?
In this special crossover episode with Recoverable, Terry interviews licensed therapist and suicide attempt survivor Aja Chavez about what depression really looks like — beyond the stereotypes.
They discuss:
Aja describes depression as:
She shares her lived experience of attempting suicide at 26 despite appearing successful, driven, and high-achieving — a powerful reminder that depression often hides behind productivity and perfection.
This conversation breaks down stigma, clarifies clinical definitions, and offers practical guidance for recognizing depression early — in yourself or someone you love.
Depression is real.
It is a medical condition.
And it is treatable.
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and crossover format explanation
02:57 – What does depression feel like?
04:13 – How depression shows up in teens and adults
05:35 – Am I depressed or just lazy?
08:28 – Is depression a medical condition?
09:39 – Different types of depression
11:49 – How do you know if you’re depressed?
14:25 – Early experiences of depression
18:22 – From numbness to suicide attempt
24:03 – Hospitalization and beginning recovery
27:29 – High-functioning depression explained
29:28 – Depression vs. laziness (internet’s top question)
32:16 – Clinical signs of depression
34:39 – Recognizing personal early warning signs
38:23 – What to do when you notice symptoms
41:17 – Why high-functioning depression can be dangerous
43:45 – “Why am I depressed for no reason?”
46:18 – Self-worth and depression’s lies
50:16 – Why talking about depression saves lives
Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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